A most interesting discussion. I started out making due, but as my skills increased I found the value of buying better tools. Now, as a professional, I invest in better hand tools and am lusting for a new sit down Sweet Sixteen to have the large throat. Years ago, what first convinced me to "buy better" was inferior rulers that were inaccurate. And the purchase doesn't have to cost hundreds. I just told my students to invest in Clover Fine pins. They may be $10 per box, but rather than stabbing through fabric, they glide between the fibers--no distortion caused by pinning. They are worth their weight in gold.
SandyQuilter (NOT sandyquilts)